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How To Strengthen The FamilyFri, 31 Jul 2015 19:39:24 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.3What Do You Have In Mind?http://thefamily.com/2014/09/15/what-do-you-have-in-mind/
http://thefamily.com/2014/09/15/what-do-you-have-in-mind/#commentsMon, 15 Sep 2014 20:36:11 +0000http://thefamily.com/?p=32532 Read More »]]>To all those in the Media…

What Do You Have In Mind?

When you publish your books and articles, broadcast your shows on TV, produce films images for our viewing, and talk over the airwaves ….

What do you have in mind?

Today moral deterioration has escalated.

Everyone knows the culture is poisonous, and nobody expects that to change. The constant portrayal of violence and immorality in music, entertainment, art, and other media in our day-to-day culture is unprecedented. This was dramatically described by a highly respected Baptist theologian when he stated, “The spiritual immune system of an entire civilization has been wounded.”

Many who are in a spiritual drought and lack commitment have not necessarily been involved in major sins or transgressions, but they have made unwise choices. Some are casual in their observance of sacred covenants. Others spend most of their time giving first-class devotion to lesser causes. Some allow intense cultural or political views to weaken their allegiance to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some have immersed themselves in Internet materials that magnify, exaggerate, and, in some cases, invent shortcomings of religious leaders. Then they draw incorrect conclusions that can affect their beliefs and testimony. Any who have made these choices can repent and be spiritually renewed.

Immersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment. The word of God inspires commitment and acts as a healing balm for hurt feelings, anger, or disillusionment. When our commitment is diminished for any reason, part of the solution is repentance. Commitment and repentance are closely intertwined.

C. S. Lewis, the striving, pragmatic Christian writer, poignantly framed the issue. He asserted that Christianity tells people to repent and promises them forgiveness; but until people know and feel they need forgiveness, Christianity does not speak to them. He stated,

“When you know you are sick, you will listen to the doctor.”

While anything that lessens commitment is of consequence, two relevant challenges are both prevalent and significant. The first is unkindness, violence, and domestic abuse. The second is sexual immorality and impure thoughts. These often precede and are at the root of the choice to be less committed.

How we treat those closest to us is of fundamental importance. Violence, abuse, lack of civility, and disrespect in the home are not acceptable—not acceptable for adults and not acceptable for the rising generation. My father was not active in the Church but was a remarkably good example, especially in his treatment of my mother. He used to say, “God will hold men responsible for every tear they cause their wives to shed.” This same concept is emphasized in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” It reads, “[Those] who abuse spouse or offspring … will one day stand accountable before God.” Regardless of the culture in which we are raised, and whether our parents did or did not abuse us, we must not physically, emotionally, or verbally abuse anyone else.

The need for civility in society has never been more important. The foundation of kindness and civility begins in our homes. It is not surprising that our public discourse has declined in equal measure with the breakdown of the family. The family is the foundation for love and for maintaining spirituality. The family promotes an atmosphere where religious observance can flourish. There is indeed “beauty all around when there’s love at home.”

Sexual immorality and impure thoughts violate the standard established by the Savior. We were warned at the beginning of this dispensation that sexual immorality would be perhaps the greatest challenge. Such conduct will, without repentance, cause a spiritual drought and loss of commitment. Movies, TV, and the Internet often convey degrading messages and images. We rejoice at all the wonderful information available via the internet. We also recognized there is virtually no place on earth that cannot be impacted by salacious, immoral, and titillating images. This is one reason why pornography has become such a plague in our day.

May we all live the principles the Savior taught and prepare to meet God. We will have the Holy Ghost as our guide for spiritual direction. For any whose lives are not in order, remember, it is never too late to make the Savior’s Atonement the foundation of our faith and lives. In the words of Isaiah,

“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

]]>http://thefamily.com/2014/09/15/what-do-you-have-in-mind/feed/0There Are Times When You Feel Like Swearing – But Shoudn’t!http://thefamily.com/2011/12/19/there-are-times-when-you-feel-like-swearing-but-shoudnt/
http://thefamily.com/2011/12/19/there-are-times-when-you-feel-like-swearing-but-shoudnt/#commentsTue, 20 Dec 2011 03:00:43 +0000http://thefamily.com/?p=19593 Read More »]]>DARN IT!

Take a look at these pictures and see if you can find other words to better express your thoughts!

Profanity is disrespect or contempt for sacred things. It includes casual or irreverent use of the name of any member of the Godhead. Misusing their names is a sin.

It also includes any type of unclean or vulgar speech or behavior. Profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, as well as immoral jokes, are offensive to the Lord and to others.

Foul language is both degrading and harmful to the spirit. We should not let others influence us to use foul language.

Instead, we should use clean language that uplifts and edifies others, and we should choose friends who use good language. Setting an example will encourage those around us to use clean language. If friends and acquaintances use profanity, we can good-naturedly encourage them to choose other words. If they persist, we can politely walk away or change the subject.

Those who have developed the habit of swearing can break it. They must begin by making a decision to change and then pray for help.

Listen to the language of young people today, who had to have learned it from their parents, in the media, spoken by celebrities in the movies and on television, and you will see, hear, and know that our world is in trouble!